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Barr also told the tribunal that in another case, Bate recommended that a girl be given back to the mother who had assaulted her – even though bosses had ordered her to change her recommendations ahead of a case conference.

Another witness, social work assistant Jackie Meek, also described the bad atmosphere in the team.

She said: “There was a number of issues with the dynamics – it was divided.”

Meek described some of the time working with Bate as a “bitter experience”.

Bate faces 13 charges relating to the cases of 16 children over three years. Two relate to Liam Fee.

It’s alleged Bate failed to follow up on reports that Liam suffered bruising in January 2013 and a neck injury weeks later.

Official Tracey Burke, who investigated the claims, said Bate failed to follow up on the case or make notes about it on council computer systems.

She allegedly blamed pressure of work for her failures, despite other workers saying her case load was not excessive.

The hearing in Dundee continues. Bate has “relinquished” her registration as a social worker but does not admit any of the charges.